What is Hypochlorous Acid?

The hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that is typically formed by dissolving chlorine and the water together. It can be referred by several other names like chloric acid, chlorine hydroxide etc. the chemical formula for the compound is HOCl with a molecular weight 52.46 g/mol approximately. This is quite simpler molecule where central oxygen atom is connected to one chlorine and one hydrogen by single bonds.

Hypochlorous Acid Chemical Formula

It is produced in the human body too by immune cells and helps to fight against the infections with multiple microorganisms. The chemical can be prepared by mixing water and chlorine together to give the hypochlorous acid.

Cl2 + H2O → HOCl + HCl

This is an equilibrium reaction and not easy to isolate from the mixture. It also exists as an aqueous solution and colorless in nature where physical properties may vary for the compound based on the centration of solution.

Hypochlorous Acid Molecular

This is not possible to prepare the acid in the dry form as molecule exists in the equilibrium state with its anhydride. Also, this a strong oxidizer that could help in preparing explosives. It reacts with weak acid and bases to give different compounds. It readily reacts with plenty of organic and biomolecules.

The acid is more powerful and an effective sanitizing agent too that can be used for making bleaches, deodorants, disinfectants etc. it is used in swimming pool too as a sanitizer and used for skin cleaning in cosmetics.